Cabbage White Butterfly
Common NameCabbage White Butterfly
Scientific NamePieris brassicae
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)57.5
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatGardens, agricultural fields, open country, meadows
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North Africa; introduced to other regions globally
Host Plantscabbage, broccoli, kale, mustard, nasturtium
Flight PeriodApril to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters on host plants, hatching into green, often spotted caterpillars that feed voraciously. They then pupate into a pale green or yellowish chrysalis, often attached to walls or fences, before emerging as adults.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive white wings with large black tips on the forewings. Females are further identified by two prominent black spots on each forewing, distinguishing them from similar species like the Small White.
Description
A medium-sized white butterfly with prominent black tips on the forewings. Females also possess two distinct black spots on each forewing, while males typically have one or none.
